What have you forgotten?

5:41 AM Unknown 0 Comments

In my previous post I was talking about the idea of transformation.  The evolution of self.

What does an ADHD & Nutrition Coach care about a persons internal messaging system?  What does any of this have to do with the other?  Lets explore that a minute...

I want you today, to take notice of your thoughts.  When you are trying something new or perhaps don't do something as well as you hoped, I want you to listen to the inner dialog you have with yourself around that.

What are you feeding yourself?  Are the messages negative?  Do they call you stupid or do they say things like, "There you go again, delving into something you had no business trying...".  Maybe you feel a great deal of fear in trying something new?  Perhaps the inner story is one of doubt and feeling incapable to even try.

Many times we allow these inner stories to play and re-play without any acknowledgement of them being there in the first place.  They are so comfortable.  These stories come from our past, fed to us by the environment around us.  If we have a big event in our lives it leaves its imprint on us in a very lasting way.

Part of my work with clients is to figure out what they've forgotten about themselves.  Too many times the ghosts of the past get in the way of all the good we've done on this planet.  It gets in the way of all the shiny nuggets you are entitled to remember about ourselves.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. ~ Maya Angelou

The reason we sit and explore your amazing history is to show you what you already have in you, that which you may have forgotten.  It is your proof.  I help keep the waters clear so you can see yourself perfectly.

What would happen to one of my clients, wanting to make change in terms of diet or life functions, armed with the understanding of WHO they truly are?

Transformation - To Go Beyond Your Current Form

1:06 PM Unknown 0 Comments

Our whole spiritual transformation brings us to the point where we realize that in our own being, we are enough. ~ Ram Dass

I've come to realize that when a client comes to see me they are in the midst of personal transformation.  It's a pretty big step, and one that rarely gets the acknowledgement it deserves.  Anytime someone is seeking answers, challenging their existence as it is now, they are on the road of change.

Change is uncomfortable.  It itches and chafes, makes us feel things we'd really rather not and most greatly we feel the fear of "not knowing".  When we start the questioning and observing of what we currently believe it can leave us a little shaken.  THAT IS NORMAL.  To admit that we feel inferior, undeserving, unworthy, unable or without value, are things we'd rather allow cycle around in our minds, as it's familiar. 

Fear, to a great extent, is born of the stories we tell ourselves. ~ Cheryl Strayed

This, I think, is why Nutrition Coaching is not about the food, wholeheartedly.  It's not about the measurement of calories, entirely.  It's not about what diet to subscribe to or what pill to choke down.  It is my absolute belief that to make any lasting changes, it starts with the acknowledgement of the stories we believe to be true.  We aren't always conscious of them.  They are so familiar we don't hear them whisper in our ears and shape our habits and decision making.  We don't always see the sabotaging they do to our efforts and our growth.

Coaches are there to help you see, expose you to new possibilities about yourself, and most excitingly of all... help you uncover the abilities and virtues you already have.  That greatness which has been trapped under a lot of debris, waiting to be freed.  This has very little to do with Nutrition.  It is about Personal Transformation and the understanding that you are deserving of that.

Anyone can make better choices, once they uncover the factual stories of WHO they are on this planet.

To the over worked adult... give yourself permission to STOP and read this.

1:41 PM Unknown 0 Comments

To all the working, exhausted, trying to do 100% of all things people out there, please take this minute and read.

There will likely never be another time when you are so busy as you are right now.  You are potentially juggling a job or a business you own, children, home demands, money challenges and the stress of making it all happen. 


The reality is something has to give and I know many people unknowingly make their nutrition and exercise the sacrificial lamb. By that I mean, these are the areas in our lives we let go by the wayside because other things are deemed more important.  I'm not going to sit here and suggest that our life's work, whether that is raising our children, starting a business or advancing our career is unimportant and shouldn't have a priority. 

The question becomes though:

Can you contribute to your life in all it's forms when you are sick and exhausted?

What stories are you telling yourself that hold you back?

1. I'm too tired
2. There isn't enough time in the day
3. I have way too much to do
4. My kids come first
5. I work too much overtime

This list is not exhaustive but it hits on some key areas of challenge, that are not made up, but are very real in all our lives.  How do we include ourselves in this list of challenge to ensure our health and wellness?

When looking at ways to change the story you may have to alter your expectations of yourself. Perhaps rather than thinking working out needs to be at a gym lifting iron, just get out for a 20 minute walk each day.  Or maybe join a Zumba class and enjoy the laughter and music for an hour a week.  You don't need to train like an Olympic athlete.  Find something - anything - you can do at home like exercise band workouts or fun movement based video games to connect and enjoy with your family.

 Give yourself the GIFT of movement to ensure you can manage the obligations of your daily life.  Movement is a stress reliever and can be as good as many antidepressants available on the market today!

Another dropped area is Nutrition.  Put your meal and snack times in your CALENDAR!  If you are like me and get so hyper-focused that you forget to eat, PLAN FOR IT!  Pack snacks daily so you have a constant supply of foods picked for you, by you.  I will tell you right now you can't operate a business or create a life of abundance without making your health and wellness a priority.

Lousy Nutrition = Lousy Performance

Osteoporosis: Popping calcium pills won't do it folks!

10:34 AM Unknown 0 Comments

Osteoporosis, or the the thinning of the bones, is a disease that will affect approximately 14 million people by 2020 if additional efforts are not made to stem this disease. Are you aware that it may be largely prevented with lifestyle considerations and treatment when appropriate? (241). http://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics

 14 million people by 2020 will have Osteoporosis if we don't change our lifestyle. 

• Many women binge diet, losing weight too fast and lose the body fat required for bone health.
• Our diets lack the proper nutrients required to build bones; the foods consumed are low in calcium.
• Strong muscles build strong bones; women are less likely to lift weights and partake in other muscle building activities that create a strong skeletal system.

Bones need more than just calcium.  Many doctors will prescribe a high dose calcium pill and call it a day.  Unfortunately much of that calcium is wasted and excreted out in our urine.  Many of us consume too many of the the calcium depleting foods, giving little focus to the building ones.

So what are we doing now that can contribute to a diagnosis of Osteoporosis?

• The calcium we consume is not a natural source.  It is shown that minerals, vitamins and other phytonutrients are best used by the body when derived from their natural source, not a pill.
• We are deficient in supporting minerals: magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper and boron.  When we have an imbalance our bones weaken.  All of these are required for bone building.
• Vitamin D is low.  Dr. Sears states in his Prime Time Health book that Prime Timers (30+) need 2000 IU daily.  Ensure it is Vitamin D3, not the other forms found.  Also consider an dropper style, oil base versus pill form to ensure absorption.
• Too much animal protein.  Our body is always trying to keep a balance in terms of pH.  When we are too acidic from having eaten meat our body will draw on the calcium bank (AKA our bones) to balance it out.
• Too much phosphorus.  Phosphorus is needed to build strong bones, in partnership with calcium.  The Standard American Diet has too much phosphorus present though.  Meat, processed foods and Pop/Soda are high in phosphorus, calcium will be depleted to balance it out.
• Too much salt.  The salt seeks out calcium and both are excreted in urine.
• Too much sugar.  This food item compels the body to excrete magnesium and calcium into the urine.
• Too much medicine. Excess use of antacids can increase calcium loss.
• Weak digestion.  The absorption of calcium is difficult as we age due to low stomach acid.

As Dr. Sears says, "There is more to Osteoporosis than simply downing more calcium". (Dr. Sears, Prime Time Health, page 145).

Are You At Risk For a Shorter Prime Time?

6:32 AM Unknown 0 Comments

First, let's define what Prime Time means.  Prime Time is defined by Dr. Sears as "the second half of your life".  As he puts it, "it's a time when the 'want to dos' start replacing the 'must dos'".

Now does Prime Time just focus on the people who are retired or close to retirement?

Prime Time health is for all adults who want to enjoy the later years of their lives.

How many of you have setup your Health Retirement Savings Plan?

A World Full of Stress - Let's Get Moving!

6:20 AM Unknown 0 Comments

What does L.E.A.N. mean?

1:50 PM Unknown 0 Comments

We hear many catch phrases as it relates to the fitness and nutrition industry.  The word "lean" is one of them.  What does it mean in terms of the L.E.A.N. programs available at Breaking Barriers Coaching?  L.E.A.N. is an acronym for Lifestyle (how you live), Exercise (how you move), Attitude (how you think) and Nutrition (how you eat).  These are the 4 pillars of health that all of the programs through the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute are based on.

Each program uses the acronym a little differently though as the needs for each group are varying in their needs.   It is important to mention there are no products being sold or special diets to incorporate during ANY of these workshops.  These workshops are ALL educationally based and affordable for all groups because of it.

The L.E.A.N Essentials Program is for caregivers who have children ages 3 - 12 years old.  If you aren't sure if you have the time to commit to the 3 or 6 week L.E.A.N. Start Program or perhaps you've seen and heard it all and nothing has really 'worked' for you or your family and are feeling skeptical... Or it just seems like too much to try and figure out and you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed.  Whatever the reason this 2 hour, one time workshop is for you!


The L.E.A.N. Start Program is for caregivers who have children ages 3 - 12 years old.  This 3 or 6 week program is unique as it focuses on the caregiver learning about the right nutrition for their children's growing body in a way that is simple and easy to implement.  It is all about education and using what the caregiver knows already and building on it.  Just healthy, nutrient dense foods from the grocery stores they presently shop from.  They become a wise consumer and their child's advocate! L.E.A.N. in this case means that you are strong and healthy.


L.E.A.N. Expectations is a 3 part workshop for expectant mothers.  It focuses on helping mothers have a healthy pregnancy, a safe birth and a smooth transition into motherhood. L.E.A.N. in this setting refers to how you choose to divide your time and the daily choices you make, being physically active during your pregnancy, keeping a positive mental outlook and the body's intake of nutrients to foster optimal health.


Lastly is the Prime Time Program.  This workshop is designed for anyone in their 40's right up to 60+.  L.E.A.N. in this setting relates to the body using it's own internal pharmacy and its ability to do so.  This helps with the prevention of disease and injury or the repair of problems already present.

Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition are applicable to all ages and stages of life.  These programs acknowledge that and teach individuals how to consistently apply them for optimal health.

Newly Branded but NOT to Nutrition!

3:49 PM Unknown 1 Comments